    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George W. Bush (2004, Book III)]
    [November 3, 2004]
    [Pages 2936-2937]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Remarks in a Victory Celebration
    November 3, 2004

        Thank you all. Thank you all for coming. We had a long night and a
    great night. The voters turned out in record numbers and delivered an
    historic victory.
        Earlier today, Senator Kerry called with his congratulations. We had
    a really good phone call. He was very gracious. Senator Kerry waged a
    spirited campaign, and he and his supporters can be proud of their
    efforts. Laura and I wish Senator Kerry and Teresa and their
    whole family all our best wishes.
        America has spoken, and I'm humbled by the trust and the confidence
    of my fellow citizens. With that trust comes a duty to serve all
    Americans, and I will do my best to fulfill that duty every day as your
    President.
        There are many people to thank, and my family comes first.
    Laura is the love of my life. [Applause] I'm glad
    you love her too. [Laughter] I want to thank our daughters, who joined their dad for
    his last campaign. I appreciate the hard work of my sister and my
    brothers. I especially want to thank my parents for their loving
    support.
        I'm grateful to the Vice President and
    Lynne and their
    daughters, who have worked so hard and been such
    a vital part of our team. The Vice President serves America with wisdom
    and honor, and I'm proud to serve beside him.
        I want to thank my superb campaign team. I want to thank you all for
    your hard work. I was impressed every day by how hard and how skillful
    our team was. I want to thank Marc, Chairman Marc Racicot, and the campaign manager, Ken Mehlman, and the architect, Karl Rove. I
    want to thank Ed Gillespie for leading our
    party so well.
        I want to thank the thousands of our supporters across our country.
    I want to thank you for your hugs on the ropelines. I want to thank you
    for your prayers on the ropelines. I want to thank you for your kind
    words on the ropelines. I want to thank you for everything you did to
    make the calls and to put up the signs, to talk to your neighbors, and
    to get out the vote. And because you did the incredible work, we are
    celebrating today.
        There's an old saying, ``Do not pray for tasks equal to your powers.
    Pray for powers equal to your tasks.'' In 4 historic years, America has
    been given great tasks and faced them with strength and courage. Our
    people have restored the vigor of this economy and shown resolve and
    patience in a new kind of war. Our military has brought justice to the
    enemy and honor to America. Our Nation has defended itself and served
    the freedom of all mankind. I'm proud to lead such an amazing country,
    and I'm proud to lead it forward.

    [[Page 2937]]

        Because we have done the hard work, we are entering a season of
    hope. We'll continue our economic progress. We'll reform our outdated
    Tax Code. We'll strengthen the Social Security for the next generation.
    We'll make public schools all they can be. And we will uphold our
    deepest values of family and faith.
        We will help the emerging democracies of Iraq and Afghanistan so
    they can grow in strength and defend their freedom. And then our service
    men and women will come home with the honor they have earned. With good
    allies at our side, we will fight this war on terror with every resource
    of our national power so our children can live in freedom and in peace.
        Reaching these goals will require the broad support of Americans. So
    today I want to speak to every person who voted for my opponent: To make this Nation stronger and better, I will need
    your support and I will work to earn it. I will do all I can do to
    deserve your trust. A new term is a new opportunity to reach out to the
    whole Nation. We have one country, one Constitution, and one future that
    binds us. And when we come together and work together, there is no limit
    to the greatness of America.
        Let me close with a word to the people of the State of Texas. We
    have known each other the longest, and you started me on this journey.
    On the open plains of Texas, I first learned the character of our
    country, sturdy and honest and as hopeful as the break of day. I will
    always be grateful to the good people of my State. And whatever the road
    that lies ahead, that road will take me home.
        The campaign has ended, and the United States of America goes
    forward with confidence and faith. I see a great day coming for our
    country, and I am eager for the work ahead.
        God bless you, and may God bless America.

    Note: The President spoke at 3:08 p.m. at the Ronald Reagan Building and
    International Trade Center. In his remarks, he referred to Marc Racicot,
    campaign chairman, and Ken Mehlman, campaign manager, Bush-Cheney '04,
    Inc.; and Ed Gillespie, chairman, Republican National Committee. The
    Office of the Press Secretary also released a Spanish language
    transcript of these remarks.